Tomio HAMASAKI

Sandy and DeeDee, we were next door neighbors since 1958 and loved your entire family! We lost touch with your Dad after your Mom and Glenna passed away and thought he was still living in California. My parents and brothers loved your family too. Mom passed away in 2000 and Dad passed away in 2009. They lived in that same home until 1998 when they moved into a retirement community. After Mom passed away, Dad and Jim shared an apartment and were neighbors of Nick's. When I was first married in 1971, my husband and I socialized quite a bit with your parents, usually at the Mikado Restaurant in Seattle's International District, for dinner and dancing. I loved your parents! Your Dad stopped by to visit my parents one day before they moved, but just missed them and they felt so bad that he didn't leave a phone number on the note he wrote for them. We tried unsuccessfully to find him. I lost my husband three years ago. I co-lead a Grief Share group at Maple Valley Presbyterian Church and our next session starts next Sunday from 2 - 4 pm. I found Grief Share really helped me deal with the loss of my husband, and recommend it to you too. I'l love to catch up with you. Please feel free to call me at 425-235-4883. Melanie Byrne Kennedy

Dear Hamasaki Family,
My name is Judy (Hirata) Ching and I'm the eldest daughter of Hajime and Michi Hirata. I remember your dad from the beginning. He was a kind, funny great guy and one of my dad's dearest friends. They had many adventures together throughout their friendship. One I remember dad telling with tears in his eyes barely able to spit it out from laughing. They were in the army and had had a few drinks. Walking back they started singing and laughing. Then your dad and mine grabbed some trash can lids and start banging them together making all kinds of racket. Someone yelled at them to stop and they ran away. A couple of troublemakers.
While your dad was in CA is hosted my sister, Cathy and she very fondly remembers his kindness to her.
And when my dad passed away he came to visit my mom. She was so happy to see him and he greatly comforted her at a sad time.
My condolences to your family I know he will be sorely missed but his memory treasured.
With Deepest Sympathy, Judy Ching